Associated Press

BOISE - Environmental regulators are accusing a California developer of violating federal clean water laws during the early phases of construction at a stalled housing subdivision in central Idaho.

The EPA has filed an administrative complaint against Sal Gallucci, JJS Southwest LLC and Whitehawk Land Development Corp.

The EPA claims the developer violated storm water rules while widening roads at its 850-acre housing project at Smiths Ferry.

Officials say the developers failed to get a general permit before starting the work at Whitehawk Subdivision, located near the North Fork of the Payette River. Inspectors documented discharge of sediment into tributaries of the river and a failure to stabilize slopes to prevent discharge.

The company faces up to $125,000 in potential fines.

Gallucci did not immediately return phone messages left by the Associated Press.